I will read anything if it seems interesting. So when I caught sight of this, how could I resiWarning: Review contains Adult themes and spoilers. 18+.

I will read anything if it seems interesting. So when I caught sight of this, how could I resist? I’ll warn you again before I continue, this is not a review for anybody under 18 years of age or with a vanilla view on coitus.

Sex is primordial and uncultivated. It can allow you to explore your deepest wishes from the arms of someone you trust, and who will keep you safe even as you stumble over the edge of sanity and enjoy the most debased of behaviours. That said, always do you have a strong sense of self, and always can you separate reality from fantasy to recognise what is right and what is wrong. Some people will not be able to accept the more forbidden parts of human nature, or understand it, and nobody is asking them to.

I say all this because if you don’t have an open mind about the sexual preferences of others, and a secure understanding of your own sexuality you will feel the need to condemn this book in reaction to any emotion it evokes in you.

In a nutshell this story needed emotional depth and should not be categorized as erotica.

Pretty When She Cries is 40,000 words of rape and violence. I can see why Amazon banned it, though in reality the content is no more disturbing than watching a rape or torture scene in a film. Films which are most graphic are not necessarily those which are the most disturbing. Such is the case with this book. Its bark is worse than its bite. The issue is that all the elements combined do not add up to something anybody should be comfortable being titillated by. I am not sure if this was done intentionally by the author, or by accident.

I can see a large number of women (and men) seeing the rape and brutality featured in PWSC as sick. The themes are not supported by any substantial emotional splintering from the main character Nicole (victim). She is a two dimensional waif, and I honestly have to keep re-reading the blurb to remember her name. For me, Nicole’s emotions were kept far too in check, and were not explored in enough detail.

The book is free from errors if that is a key priority of yours, and the subject matter taboo enough to make you feel urbane for trying it. This book should have taken me to a dark place that is harsh and barren. Other than a vague absorption in what the book promised to be, there was nothing that shocked or moved me in any way. I should have felt a myriad of emotion. I should have felt the need to cry or seek solace in a story with a happy ever after. I was left frustrated.

I suffered a detachment from the story because of the narrative voice. This lack of involvement is the books main downfall. It’s almost like the author was too afraid to write the word “I”. We do not go through this horrible experience with Nicole, we watch it happen to her. Ask yourself, would you stand by and watch rape happen?

I’m not a psychiatrist, but I would think rape would be fuelled by a need to debase and dominate. Abusers who feel a need to retain absolute control in a sexual situation and humiliate the unwilling victim who is made helpless directly by their actions. To achieve this state, you would not repeatedly tell a victim you are about to rape them. That in itself prepares them. They could mentally fortify themselves and come to an acceptance of what was about to happen to them to survive it. This would diminish the humiliation and domination, if not remove it entirely from the hands of the rapist. Putting myself in the shoes of this victim (god forbid this would ever happen to me or any other human being on this planet), if my abuser told me what he was to do, and I was powerless and unable to fight back, I would take control from him (or her) in any way I could. Humans fight. To the last breathe. Always. We don’t give up, it’s our nature, even in the face of great pain. So fighting back, merely taking the power from the hands of the rapist removes a key driver behind it – control of the unwilling. James tells Nicole he is going to rape her. Immediately a main driver for the rapist in this book has been lost, and nothing has been given to me from the author in its place to help me to understand why he continues to abuse her. Her, specifically. Control and dominance suggests a character who is self indulged and arrogant. Not the traits of a person who would see to a woman’s pleasure during the act of sex and need constant reassurance of it, especially if it is non-consensual, like James does. Basically, his reactions do not make sense, even taking into consideration the ill treatment he'd suffered in his life.

A further problem (due to the fact it was written as erotica) is the language the author used. It is amorous. What happens between two consenting adults is between them, and had this story actually been erotica with "rape" as role play it may be distasteful to some, but appeal to others who like that kind of extreme kink (in truth, that is still technically not rape, as there is consent from the victim prior to the act). But this story is about non-consensual sex, something else entirely. Pretend is still pretend, no matter how convincing the actors want to make it. The rape in this story was not supposed to be role play, and yet, the descriptors used during are staggeringly similar to those used in current romance novels (because she has written it as erotica).

The full reality is that rape is not arousing, or attractive in any shape or form, but some of the themes (used by consenting adults) behind it are. Namely, total submission from your partner, dominance, physical helplessness ... a consensual power exchange, and that is what readers to PWSC will react to, not the rape itself, and as that is the main element in this book, this is why I do not think it should be classed as erotica. Think of it this way, you get romance novels where men “seduce” and “break” the strong willed women (marauding Viking romance anyone?). In those books it’s the same themes as explored here but in a low-key “safe” way. The levels to which any consenting individual takes these themes is down to them, this is simply the high end of that tolerance scale – gone wrong.

Non-consensual sex is not something that should arouse. Dominance, control, pain, etc, fine, do whatever floats your boat, but not the removal of free will. Never that. This needed to be an erotica which featured extreme S&M and D&S as role play, or this needed to be work of fiction which seeks to explore the mind of the abuser or the victim. The two are mixed here and that creates a problem for me as a reader and as a woman.

As for the violence ... hmm. There is pain (S&M) and then there is PAIN (torture). S&M is erotic. Torture is evil. This books flaunts violence and abuse but there is no true malevolence behind it from the abuser, and the infliction of it becomes monotonous. To hit somebody with force, to hurt them, takes an extreme amount of energy and emotion. So there needs to be a good reason for it to happen so frequently. Beatings are thrown in left right and centre in PWSC, and only a few times do you actually get a sense of James' (abusers) true mindset.

The thing is, the author probably went light on emotion and back-story because she was writing it as an erotica rather than an inability to portray them effectively.

Don’t get me wrong, because of the way language is used the book will cause a response, but not the right response, and not one you will allow yourself to feel. I can understand why this book will not be received well, not everybody wants to explore that kind of sexuality. What exactly was this book highlighting? That madmen get off on raping women? Yes, we know this, but what was the point in writing a 40,000 word novel on it if you’re not going to expose me to the victim’s or abuser’s mindset? Rape is an monstrous thing I do not think anybody can truly understand unless it happens to them, so it’s not something to write about without having a clear message in mind. The act itself should not be used to arouse.

The detachment between the reader and Nicole (victim) or the reader and James (rapist) is too great. Had there been more of a connection this easily could have been one of the rawest books I've read. Instead of taking the subject matter to a gritty and primal place forcing us to consider the darker depths of our sexuality, it panders to unsophisticated and evil sexual deviancy. The book falls short and languishes at crude and forgettable. It’s annoying, because it could have been great.

Should this author try again with another story I would read it to see if the next attempt would reach the expectation I had set.

Am I reading too much into it all? Maybe. But a book which explores subject matter like this needs a message, otherwise, what is the point? But that is simply my opinion.

No star rating, as I don’t think it’s appropriate in this case instance....more

**spoiler alert** In a word, I would describe Stay as cute. How do I feel about it overall? Ambivalent. I finished this book about a month ago and it**spoiler alert** In a word, I would describe Stay as cute. How do I feel about it overall? Ambivalent. I finished this book about a month ago and it has taken me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted to say, because I kept changing my mind.

Let’s start with The Love Interest. When reading a book there is a tipping point from when you are sitting on a fence, considering backing a love interest, to when you’ve fallen flat on your face. Hard. I backed Team Brokk from the beginning, because of the way he treated Callie in the caves. But then I was made to feel guilty for doing so because Kailen seemed like an angel after Brokk started to act like a jackass. Arrogance was not in Brokk’s described characteristics therefore his mean behaviour was jackass-ism rather than his normal arrogance. So I adjusted and backed team Kailen only for it to flip again and for Kailen to be the bad guy and for Brokk to be the one who we should really like. I did not like the bounce of this emotional yo-yo. There is a difference between making a lead character’s intentions mysterious and making them bi-polar. There were no clues to me to warn me not to get a vested interest in Kailen.

Callie is ... undecided, about her place in society until things go wrong for her. Which I didn’t like. I actually empathise a lot with the selfish heroine because I feel it’s real and honest, but Callie just didn’t seem to care at all until her apple cart was upset by everything. There was not one person she seemed to care for more than herself. There is selfish then there is egotistical, and Callie crossed over to the latter too often for my personal liking. There was no acknowledgment from her of her families involvement in hardships of the fairy people until the end, when her life was on the line. It was kind of like, “I’m going to die unless I sort this out. Better sort it out then.”

At one point Callie flips out and beats the tar out of Brokk ... fine ... but it was completely out of line with her character. I was brought to accept Callie was docile, strong willed but gentle in her delivery of this will. Then all of a sudden she’s throwing punches and witty quips like she’s Ali. Throughout the book there is a very adult tone to her actions, but delivered through (in my opinion) a child’s eyes and with a child’s intentions.

When Callie’s parents die (a King and Queen), they get taken out so easily. It’s not explained why they supported the usurper Queen by leaving the kingdom, especially when it’s made clear they had loyal supporters. Also, the reason why Callie was worth abandoning a whole city of people for was not impressed upon me. Royalty are supposed to put the people first, but they simply tottered off with their super-special-powerful-baby-Callie into a new life and don’t look back. To me, that does not seem like a worthy royal bloodline to make a fuss over, better off without you quite frankly.

All descriptions of the fairy wings were beautiful, and the concept of living in underground caves was a nice touch, but ... the fairies fly. These are not small beings either, but full grown people who are connected to the elements. Why would they go underground? Why not up, into the sky? Again, this point was raised briefly, but not impressed on me, nor did it make sense enough for me to make my own conclusions.

I loved the physical manifestations of the elements. Those were superbly done, and I felt they had such character for such small parts.

It’s always difficult to give a negative opinion on a book story line, because things are read and interpreted differently by everybody, but for me, Stay had too many aspects that didn’t gel well enough. No doubt readers with a more customary view on fairies will enjoy it much more, and I would encourage you to try it.

Wait, wait wait, before I wrap up I need to address the crying. I have a hard time reading about boys or men who cry. There needs to be a damn good reason, like ... the love of his life was tortured and murdered before his eyes even begin to get wet. It seemed like guys in this book needed to toughen up.

It’s a god book, possibly Children’s rather than Young Adult, but my view on that readership may be skewed by my own preferences. I will buy and read the sequel, because I’m curious as to where this will lead, and I really did love the elementals. ...more

Reading this was like eating Hershey's chocolate instead of Cadbury's. I like both, enjoy both, but always will Cadbury's be dear to my heart though HReading this was like eating Hershey's chocolate instead of Cadbury's. I like both, enjoy both, but always will Cadbury's be dear to my heart though Hershey's is as good in its own right (now can you guess which Immortal is? Hershey's or Cadbury's?).

I can't see why so many people have gotten their proverbial knickers in a twist about typos, really, there are not that many to make a fuss over. A passing mention at most. The story is straightforward, easy to understand and written well. The style is very subtle - blink a thousand times and you miss it - but it's there, which is why I think I kept turning pages even though the story wasn't blowing my socks off.

The cover creeps me out. In fact I had a rather decent nightmare about it a few nights ago. It's that green eye. Gah!

I read this book because I saw it in Amazon, clicked on it to freak myself out looking at the cover some more (I'm a glut for punishment) then read a review about the book being a Twilight wannabe. I read more reviews and whoa! People have gone to town about that! Like beating a cat bloody with a brick because the cat’s growl reminded you of a tiger roar. Hm, I think we all need group therapy to get over mentioning Twilight when a YA protagonist resembles (let's face it) most average teenagers in the world and therefore Bella. It’s getting old to read ,and to try and base purchasing decisions on. It’s like saying all vampire books are a knock off of Polidori’s The Vampyre (a Brit who wrote about vamps before Bram Stoker for those who were wondering).

Anyway, I recommended this book for those who want to make the dreary mission to work more interesting. The leads are suitably hot, even if a little carbon copied. In the beginning they were so similar I started calling them “Sam/Dun” in my mind whenever they made an appearance. Which was often. I started to annoy myself, but luckily their personalities did become more defined toward the end.

**spoiler alert** It was nice to slow down after reading so much fast fantasy. I’ve not read many angel themed books, but if they’re as good as this I**spoiler alert** It was nice to slow down after reading so much fast fantasy. I’ve not read many angel themed books, but if they’re as good as this I may get into them a fair bit!

The idea of the trials (up into Heaven or down into Hell) and branding with the X before the wings burst forth was pretty awesome. There were one too many dreams at one point, making it a little repetitive. And I was a tad confused why Alex fell so madly in love with her. Cole made sense, a little, but not Alex. He was sweet though, as was their slow burn romance. Sal felt a tiny bit like a spare part. She was just ... there. You could have carved her out and it would have made no difference to the story line, but she was a fun character. I admit I took long breaks between reading this book. I could put it down, but always after I delved into another, would I pick it up again needing to finish the story.

Keary has a wonderful gift with description, and I will be reading the second....more

Oh! A rare find lurking in iBooks. I was bored last night, not sure what to read next and so I opened this up (downloaded it weeks ago) and by god, IOh! A rare find lurking in iBooks. I was bored last night, not sure what to read next and so I opened this up (downloaded it weeks ago) and by god, I must have a "pick a good book randomly" compass because this was so great! Again another amazing read hidden under a mediocre cover.

So, Megan (lead protag) is quirky, cute and real. Now, I see that many may not quite get this book, as the main character speaks as she thinks and thinks as she speaks. Again, you have to find your own way through the puzzles and clues that are in the prose, and in the characters actions. No hand holding here!

The book is set out over a week (loving it) and I adore how Megan just gets straight down to business and reasons out the supernatural oddities going on around her. She meets this guy and within hours she has him sussed out. Watches how he reacts, how he moves, his facial expressions and what kind of person that makes him. Never have I read so much inner monologue and not wanted to slam my head against a brick wall.

The only reason I ditch a star is because Megan does let Lucien (romantic interest) trample on her one too many times before she takes him in hand.

I recommend this for a lazy Sunday afternoon under the duvet with a cup of tea....more

Not for me. I really enjoyed the first in this series (Bitten) and was expecting this to knock my socks off ... not a bad book, but developing in a waNot for me. I really enjoyed the first in this series (Bitten) and was expecting this to knock my socks off ... not a bad book, but developing in a way that is not for me....more

I love Chess. So strong yet vulnerable at the same time. This book did not disappoint. Full of action, tension and loads of inner turmoil. The relatioI love Chess. So strong yet vulnerable at the same time. This book did not disappoint. Full of action, tension and loads of inner turmoil. The relationship between Chess and Terrible is one of my favorite, and I'm glad it wasn't ruined by being mushy or cliche. Great book and I suggest you read it. ...more

Good book. Cover is lovely, and the main character was engaging enough to keep my attention. Though I admit I could not finish this is one sitting, anGood book. Cover is lovely, and the main character was engaging enough to keep my attention. Though I admit I could not finish this is one sitting, and usually I have no trouble reading for hours on end.

At times during the middle the story stalled, and I was confused if it was set in the past or in the preset day at times. Oh, it broke my heart how Mina (lead character) suffered, but I found the ending a little... passive.

A few blips here and there, but its an Indie book, and I more than understand how that can happen.

It's the first in a series, I believe, and I will be buying the rest to see how it develops. ...more

Oh darn. It felt like I was reading a Twilight knock off. It was well structured and written, but in my humble opinion the storyline needs an overhaulOh darn. It felt like I was reading a Twilight knock off. It was well structured and written, but in my humble opinion the storyline needs an overhaul....more

I dropped a star because for me the book gradually lost it's...sparkle, and by the endI don't read sci-fi books often, but the synopsis intrigued me.

I dropped a star because for me the book gradually lost it's...sparkle, and by the end I was wondering where the finish line was. It started strong but at times during the middle I was lost. It may have been easier to follow if I had connected to the main character, D_Light, more than I did.

That said I thought it as well written and made complex relationships, and practices that are seen as taboo in today's society easy to follow, and accept.

I liked how humanity was portrayed as "jacked in" consumers dominated by TheGame and slaves to the whims of their "families". Surprisingly, the constant use of techno jargon didn't annoy me, but helped to solidify the story as I read.

I won't say I found the plot surprising or unique, at each plot point it was quite clear what was going to happen, but the explanation of how the OverSoul worked did catch me off guard, and was delightful to read.

Short, vulgar and funny as hell. This book's saving grace is how honest it is. Because at times my language is just as foul as Linda's. I started readShort, vulgar and funny as hell. This book's saving grace is how honest it is. Because at times my language is just as foul as Linda's. I started reading this, not taking it too seriously (the cover hinted at its quirkiness), and it didn't lie. I read it on my way into work. Don't take it too seriously and you'll have a blast....more

I’m not a literary expert, but I read enough to know a good book when I find one. This is a good book. I liked it, and will recommend to readers of myI’m not a literary expert, but I read enough to know a good book when I find one. This is a good book. I liked it, and will recommend to readers of my type who want to try a Sci-Fi book.

At times observation of the characters fluxed between intrusive and apathetic. But, I found it relatively effortless to put myself into the shoes of a male fighter pilot from my reading seat at home as I sipped my hot chocolate and listened to Bat for Lashes warbling in the background. It was more like I was a bystander in the lead characters mind rather than in the driving seat – so to speak.

There were moments where it felt like I ran into a solid wall of back-story in the middle of a seemingly casual conversation, but nothing to cause a fuss over.

SF of this nature is not easy for me to digest as I read so much romance and contemporary/urban fantasy. However Sweeny’s storytelling style allowed me to sink into something I would never have been able to tolerate otherwise. The descriptions of the environment and technology itself were surprisingly roundabout - usually this kind of detail is stuffed down your throat, and not in a good way. This gave me the ability to enjoy this novel. I like my imagination to work as I read rather than being force fed, which can happen with Sci-Fi, Epic/High fantasy because of the out-of-this-world situations the writer is trying to reveal to you.

I should mention the ending was wonderful. The beginning ... you need to open yourself up to and allow it to wash over you rather than allowing yourself to become frustrated with the sluggish pace. Stick it through, as I have said the ending is excellent.

The use of language is admirable, and the sophisticated cover appeals to me (like most book addicts I love my covers). Overall this is a shining example of what an Indie book should be and was a pleasure to read....more

I love Miss Stackhouse. So full of fire and passion. And Eric the Northman *swoon* is my favorite book guy of all time. We've not seen this much of hiI love Miss Stackhouse. So full of fire and passion. And Eric the Northman *swoon* is my favorite book guy of all time. We've not seen this much of him since 'Dead to the World' and finally, he and Sookie are in a satisfyingly romantic place. Things are not stable, but sweet enough to have me feel vindicated... Like all her hard work was for something. The book is my favorite since 'Dead Until Dark'. Its sexy, fast, and scary enough to make your breath catch at the right time....more